[Benign Tumors of the Breast in the Department of Senology at the University Hospital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar (Senegal)]

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of benign tumors of the breast treated in the department of senology at the university hospital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of 220 patients treated in the Department of Senology at the University Hospital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar over the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013.

Results: 220 patients out of 984 consultants had benign tumor of the breast (22.5%). Benign tumors of the breast accounted for 58.2% of tumor pathologies. The average age was 24 years. The age group 11-30 years was the most represented (70%). The quasi-totality of patients were women of childbearing age (95%), 58.6% were nulliparous women. The main reason for consultation was a breast mass in 94.5% of cases. The left side was most often affected (49.5%), especially the upper outer quadrant (41.6%). 145 patients (65.9% of cases) underwent ultrasound. Cytologic examination showed conjunctival epithelial hyperplasia in almost all cases (96.1%). 44 women underwent histologic examination, which confirmed the histologic nature of the lesions. Fibroadenoma and fibrocystic changes were the most retained diagnoses, accounting for 86.3% and 5.9% respectively. 28 patients (12.7%) underwent lumpectomy, all tumor types were taken together. The majority of patients had follow-up appointments within 3 months, with favorable outcome.

Conclusion: Benign tumors are very frequent in senology consultations. The recommended diagnostic approach combines the clinico-radio-cytological triad and, in case of doubt or discrepancy, biopsy or surgical resection are essential. Surgery is not always the treatment of choice. This is based on the nature of the tumor.